Driving France
Discussion
I've just got pics from Stephan,, his lovely little 2CV and beautiful girl,,,
He said something about how lovely Marsielle is and how it was smashed to pieces by stupid Germans,,
I said I'm not proud of what we did to Dresden,,,,
This pic arrived upside down,, laughed my nuts off,,,
Told him he looked like a Focker D8 pilot from the First World War doing a barrel role and setting his guns,,
Ain't that a great pic.
I'm sure he'll get the joke!
He said something about how lovely Marsielle is and how it was smashed to pieces by stupid Germans,,
I said I'm not proud of what we did to Dresden,,,,
This pic arrived upside down,, laughed my nuts off,,,
Told him he looked like a Focker D8 pilot from the First World War doing a barrel role and setting his guns,,
Ain't that a great pic.
I'm sure he'll get the joke!
I've just done a Jimmy Saville and washed some smalls in the sink,,, shiver,,,
Why can't someone bring that dirty b
d back to life so we can take it in turns giving him a right good hiding!
My sister went to the BBC and was in the croud for top of the pops,,
She was 15 and she said he seemed a weirdo,,, never went near her but he could have,,
He'd look weird if I got hold of the orrible little man!
I'd almost rather bin my clothes than think of him,,
I dunno where this lot comes from sometimes,,,,
Enough of that nonsense,,, I'm relaxing today and keeping myself to myself,,
You can get to much of a good thing,,,
Why can't someone bring that dirty b
d back to life so we can take it in turns giving him a right good hiding!My sister went to the BBC and was in the croud for top of the pops,,
She was 15 and she said he seemed a weirdo,,, never went near her but he could have,,
He'd look weird if I got hold of the orrible little man!
I'd almost rather bin my clothes than think of him,,
I dunno where this lot comes from sometimes,,,,
Enough of that nonsense,,, I'm relaxing today and keeping myself to myself,,
You can get to much of a good thing,,,
Funny you say that? I can't decide which way to come back to the uk starting Thursday morning.
I've been looking on google maps and I'd do the Alps but I'm concerned with weather, my fitness and hurting my bike,,
In fact my main concern is no charger on the bike ( big mistake) for my iphone. It has an excellent sat nav but doesn't last more than about 4 hours,,,
I'd then have to sit and wait while I've found somewhere to charge it,,, it's looking a bit daunting,,, I'd also like to do that sort of journey in the Tvr,,, I think I'd enjoy it more!
Up on those high mountains with no map to guide me,,,I've got visions of being lost miles from people, unable to find a hotel and even having to sleep rough.
If I'm going to do it I want to go as scenic as possible,,, if I have to go main roads then feel it's probably better to leave it and do it another time,,,I'm on my own too so do I give it a miss!
I've had a great time and ridden loads already,,,
I'm talking myself out of it arnt I.
Any thoughts and maybe ideas,, I'd like to either stop at Macon or Troyes for the first over night stop then just get back on the route des Anglais from there on. It's tiring riding a bike this far for me but once I hit either of those towns it's easy after that.
Is there a decent route that someone's done that can take in some of the alps and still reach said locations within day light on the first day,,, I've looked at Menton and up but it's huge milage and turn turn turn!
It'll take so long and I'm not sure of fuel stops either,,,
Coming to a halt with no fuel in the wilderness doesn't appeal.
It's the dat nav issue that's a pain most of all,,, multi road changes with no map/ sat nav,, having to stop and keep checking even if I bought a road map ,,,,,,
Ok give me a clue about here to Macon and I'll make a decision. Thanks Alun
I won't be taking pics either,, this phones about to explode me thinks...
I've been looking on google maps and I'd do the Alps but I'm concerned with weather, my fitness and hurting my bike,,
In fact my main concern is no charger on the bike ( big mistake) for my iphone. It has an excellent sat nav but doesn't last more than about 4 hours,,,
I'd then have to sit and wait while I've found somewhere to charge it,,, it's looking a bit daunting,,, I'd also like to do that sort of journey in the Tvr,,, I think I'd enjoy it more!
Up on those high mountains with no map to guide me,,,I've got visions of being lost miles from people, unable to find a hotel and even having to sleep rough.
If I'm going to do it I want to go as scenic as possible,,, if I have to go main roads then feel it's probably better to leave it and do it another time,,,I'm on my own too so do I give it a miss!
I've had a great time and ridden loads already,,,
I'm talking myself out of it arnt I.
Any thoughts and maybe ideas,, I'd like to either stop at Macon or Troyes for the first over night stop then just get back on the route des Anglais from there on. It's tiring riding a bike this far for me but once I hit either of those towns it's easy after that.
Is there a decent route that someone's done that can take in some of the alps and still reach said locations within day light on the first day,,, I've looked at Menton and up but it's huge milage and turn turn turn!
It'll take so long and I'm not sure of fuel stops either,,,
Coming to a halt with no fuel in the wilderness doesn't appeal.
It's the dat nav issue that's a pain most of all,,, multi road changes with no map/ sat nav,, having to stop and keep checking even if I bought a road map ,,,,,,
Ok give me a clue about here to Macon and I'll make a decision. Thanks Alun
I won't be taking pics either,, this phones about to explode me thinks...
Edited by ClassiChimi on Monday 21st September 20:16
I'm going to do at least one of two things tomorrow,, find a bike shop that I can trust to put a charging point on my bike,, then do the alps without fear or ask the girl who lives in Le plan de la tour if we can have dinner before I leave,,,both ideas are fraught with danger though 
I'm going to be looking a right plonker if she says no!!!!
Tosh,,, he who dares,,,,,
Again what do you wise men of the world think,,,,I'm waiting with baited breath and plenty of smiles at your replies,,,
I've decided already,,, the girls hot as you can handle,, the alps are cold and lonely!!!!
Reply anyway for the laughs....;)
I'm going to be looking a right plonker if she says no!!!!
Tosh,,, he who dares,,,,,
Again what do you wise men of the world think,,,,I'm waiting with baited breath and plenty of smiles at your replies,,,
I've decided already,,, the girls hot as you can handle,, the alps are cold and lonely!!!!
Reply anyway for the laughs....;)
RThanks Graham,,,I can't shift this headache which is making me loose some confidence.
I'm drinking gallons of water and I havnt had much alkahol at all during my stay here,,, I'm always on the bike !
I've looked at my tyres again after riding The tour roads and it looks like marks from drifting on the back wheel,,,
That's not funny at all and I can't remember how or where I've done that.
It's upset me again and gets my nerve ends gangling more than a French girl getting fruity with me.
If I was a few miles from home I'd feel good about that tyre but I thought I was riding steady???
The map thing,,, yes it's the obvious thing to do but still I'm unsure.
The problem there is I lost my glasses that double as specs and sun glasses,,, on the way down here !!!!
So I use sun glasses which us ok when I'm moving but then have to put my reading glasses on to see close up,,,it's a pain in the ass,,, if I lost them I'd be screwed!!!!
I won't decide yet but I think some of the roads I've riden down here have thrilled me and I've got away with it,,,,
I can't do sod all slow,,, that's sounds like bragging,, I'm not honest,,,
I don't know what it is,,, actually I do,,,,,when I ride slow I sort of loose concentration and still get caught out,,,
I'm not safe on a bike,,,
If I go a bit faster my mind just clicks and I can keep it up for hours,,,
It's all a bit stupid but it's the truth.
Using the sun,,,, Crickey that does feel like I'm back in the 17th century,,,
I want to get home now to see my friends and family,,,sleep in my own bed,, make my own coffee,,
Home is where the heart is even if a day later I'll be wishing I did do a better route home,,,
Hey I'm not done yet,,, this has been a massive wonderful experience after such a long time not sitting on a bike,,
I'll strip my bike and enjoy cleaning any dust and sand away whilst thinking planning a proper bike trip one day.
The car I'd do it at the drop of a hat but for me on the bike,, I need to prepare myself. You more experienced riders probably think I'm a Jessi but this trip has helped me overcome huge trauma in my personal life and I feel like looking after myself again.
I thank you and we will have to meet up sometime Graham because without your knowledge I would have just sat on a beach???!!!!
Anthony that simple sentence says it all,,,Thankyou too.
If my head can clear by the end of today I'll go for it but if not I'm coming home a straight as an arrow.
What the flying fk has caused these markings,, I've not sat and spun the wheel doing donuts so someone gimve me a clue,,,just so you know,,, at 18 years of age I could pull one handed wheelies and change gear,,,I can ride a bike!
Having looked at that picture again,,,it must be from going through one if those sand traps,,,there no evidence of it on the front wheel,,,,I'm kind of remembering a slight slip angle at one point now,,,
Just a few mm loss of feel for a split second,,
I'm coming home before I regret it!
Thanks for the memories,,,Alun
Just to confirm, those marks go all the way round the tyre and from the front wheel you can see I've had the bike as far over as there is tread pattern,,,I'm almost 50 years old,,,I don't find it funny,,,, on the bike I love these angles but in the cold light of day it messes with my head.
I'm drinking gallons of water and I havnt had much alkahol at all during my stay here,,, I'm always on the bike !
I've looked at my tyres again after riding The tour roads and it looks like marks from drifting on the back wheel,,,
That's not funny at all and I can't remember how or where I've done that.
It's upset me again and gets my nerve ends gangling more than a French girl getting fruity with me.
If I was a few miles from home I'd feel good about that tyre but I thought I was riding steady???
The map thing,,, yes it's the obvious thing to do but still I'm unsure.
The problem there is I lost my glasses that double as specs and sun glasses,,, on the way down here !!!!
So I use sun glasses which us ok when I'm moving but then have to put my reading glasses on to see close up,,,it's a pain in the ass,,, if I lost them I'd be screwed!!!!
I won't decide yet but I think some of the roads I've riden down here have thrilled me and I've got away with it,,,,
I can't do sod all slow,,, that's sounds like bragging,, I'm not honest,,,
I don't know what it is,,, actually I do,,,,,when I ride slow I sort of loose concentration and still get caught out,,,
I'm not safe on a bike,,,
If I go a bit faster my mind just clicks and I can keep it up for hours,,,
It's all a bit stupid but it's the truth.
Using the sun,,,, Crickey that does feel like I'm back in the 17th century,,,
I want to get home now to see my friends and family,,,sleep in my own bed,, make my own coffee,,
Home is where the heart is even if a day later I'll be wishing I did do a better route home,,,
Hey I'm not done yet,,, this has been a massive wonderful experience after such a long time not sitting on a bike,,
I'll strip my bike and enjoy cleaning any dust and sand away whilst thinking planning a proper bike trip one day.
The car I'd do it at the drop of a hat but for me on the bike,, I need to prepare myself. You more experienced riders probably think I'm a Jessi but this trip has helped me overcome huge trauma in my personal life and I feel like looking after myself again.
I thank you and we will have to meet up sometime Graham because without your knowledge I would have just sat on a beach???!!!!
Anthony that simple sentence says it all,,,Thankyou too.
If my head can clear by the end of today I'll go for it but if not I'm coming home a straight as an arrow.
What the flying f
k has caused these markings,, I've not sat and spun the wheel doing donuts so someone gimve me a clue,,,just so you know,,, at 18 years of age I could pull one handed wheelies and change gear,,,I can ride a bike! Having looked at that picture again,,,it must be from going through one if those sand traps,,,there no evidence of it on the front wheel,,,,I'm kind of remembering a slight slip angle at one point now,,,
Just a few mm loss of feel for a split second,,
I'm coming home before I regret it!
Thanks for the memories,,,Alun
Just to confirm, those marks go all the way round the tyre and from the front wheel you can see I've had the bike as far over as there is tread pattern,,,I'm almost 50 years old,,,I don't find it funny,,,, on the bike I love these angles but in the cold light of day it messes with my head.
Edited by ClassiChimi on Tuesday 22 September 05:27
"Oh you silly thing,you've really gone and done it now" lyrics from a punk band but I can't remember the name?
Were having dinner together at this restaurant near her home tomorrow evening 8.30pm,,,,,,,,,,,,
I've deliberately missed off the last few digits because if any of you are like my old builder mates you'll ring her and destroy my chances just for a laugh,,,,,
My hands are shaking, my legs are weak, my stomach feels like I've got live fish on there,,,,heads spinning but the headaches instantly gone,,,sort of,,,,
I must have used this word hundreds of times through this thread but
Increadable,,,,,she says I'm very funny,,,I feel a bit funny I can tell you,,,,
I'm breathless,,, so will she be if I have my way with her,,,,
Nah I'll act like an English gentleman and try do us proud,,,
Love,,,it's a load of bull but it's hard not to feel real warmth and I'm not on about this wonderful sun beating down on me.
I'm in shock,,,I looked at her this morning and thought she'll never go for it,,
I just asked her if she'd be working tomorrow because I'm leaving Thursday early morning do it will be my last chance to say goodbye,,,she just did the rest,,,,wow,,,
Then to top it off she says I don't work Thursdays,,,,,, get my drift,,,,
I'd say she's about 40 years young,,, beautiful, has two kids 13&17 years of age. Perfect.
Hey I'm a man of experience, I just want to enjoy her company and show her deep respect.
She always rubs my arm and shoulder as we kiss French style saying good morning,, sparks fly,,,
This could be the start of a beautiful relationship,,, I'll be running this campsite before long,,,,
It's all to much this place,,, who'd have thought when I posted a question about how to get here all these experiences and feelings would happen to me.
Triumph,,,what a great company,,,the factory is 10 miles from my home in England,,, it makes me very proud
Wish me luck and Thankyou boys for showing interest and having made me smile loads
Alun
If you are ever near la plan de la Tour visit this restaurant,,, if the locals use it,,,that's all you need to know.
Ask for Yannick the chef and he'll look after you and that's a promise
Were having dinner together at this restaurant near her home tomorrow evening 8.30pm,,,,,,,,,,,,
I've deliberately missed off the last few digits because if any of you are like my old builder mates you'll ring her and destroy my chances just for a laugh,,,,,
My hands are shaking, my legs are weak, my stomach feels like I've got live fish on there,,,,heads spinning but the headaches instantly gone,,,sort of,,,,
I must have used this word hundreds of times through this thread but
Increadable,,,,,she says I'm very funny,,,I feel a bit funny I can tell you,,,,
I'm breathless,,, so will she be if I have my way with her,,,,
Nah I'll act like an English gentleman and try do us proud,,,
Love,,,it's a load of bull but it's hard not to feel real warmth and I'm not on about this wonderful sun beating down on me.
I'm in shock,,,I looked at her this morning and thought she'll never go for it,,
I just asked her if she'd be working tomorrow because I'm leaving Thursday early morning do it will be my last chance to say goodbye,,,she just did the rest,,,,wow,,,
Then to top it off she says I don't work Thursdays,,,,,, get my drift,,,,
I'd say she's about 40 years young,,, beautiful, has two kids 13&17 years of age. Perfect.
Hey I'm a man of experience, I just want to enjoy her company and show her deep respect.
She always rubs my arm and shoulder as we kiss French style saying good morning,, sparks fly,,,
This could be the start of a beautiful relationship,,, I'll be running this campsite before long,,,,
It's all to much this place,,, who'd have thought when I posted a question about how to get here all these experiences and feelings would happen to me.
Triumph,,,what a great company,,,the factory is 10 miles from my home in England,,, it makes me very proud
Wish me luck and Thankyou boys for showing interest and having made me smile loads
Alun
If you are ever near la plan de la Tour visit this restaurant,,, if the locals use it,,,that's all you need to know.
Ask for Yannick the chef and he'll look after you and that's a promise
Graham you have a lot to answer for
What can I say,,, I'm twenty years younger today than I was 3 weeks ago.
My son wants me back to who he respected as a boy,,,
Go on dad,,, who's the man dad,,, he's really happy for me,,, With that knowledge I'm a king amongst kings
Emotion,,,, good emotion,,,, I'm gaining strength again,,,
Now go get on ya bike you lot I've got stuff to do,,
Many many respects Alun
I'm still shaking like a leaf,,,,,,,, women!!!
Right that lots going in my bag and I'm off for some swimming and sun bathing,,, I've just looked in the mirror and I've gone white as a sheet,,, all the bloods gone south hahahahah,,
Easy Al,, to much info,,,
All the breath seems to have left my body,, deep breaths and the like,, I thought riding my bike was exciting!
I've been on some roller coaster these last three weeks, you'd think I've never been on holiday before.
Cheers Alun
Edited by ClassiChimi on Tuesday 22 September 10:42
Loud out break of laughter,,,,
Richie I'm not about to show you naughty pictures of my soon to be wife now am I
I'm not into wife swapping,,, not this one anyway
She wants to have details of this thread,,,that's it it'll be over before it's started.
If she's got any sense she'll make an excuse tomorrow!!!
I've been thinking about it and I'm not going to make any foolish moves,,
A bit of romance is nice and I'll find out more about her life etc,,,
PETER PHAZED,,,I've got to get home by Friday night,, my dog sitter has to be somewhere so I've got to get a shift on
I'd really enjoy popping by yours but it's looking unlikely now.
Soon as my cars mapped we should get together then,, see what you think of it.
I'll cruise down for lunch or something,,
This thread is about over,,,I'll do some more present hunting tomorrow and enjoy the weather but I'm not riding far.
I'm going to update it with the journey back and thank everyone when I'm back home.
I may well have a picture of Getaldine by then too,,,I've got more pics that I might add just to remind me of this holiday.
Richie I'm not about to show you naughty pictures of my soon to be wife now am I
I'm not into wife swapping,,, not this one anyway
She wants to have details of this thread,,,that's it it'll be over before it's started.
If she's got any sense she'll make an excuse tomorrow!!!
I've been thinking about it and I'm not going to make any foolish moves,,
A bit of romance is nice and I'll find out more about her life etc,,,
PETER PHAZED,,,I've got to get home by Friday night,, my dog sitter has to be somewhere so I've got to get a shift on
I'd really enjoy popping by yours but it's looking unlikely now.
Soon as my cars mapped we should get together then,, see what you think of it.
I'll cruise down for lunch or something,,
This thread is about over,,,I'll do some more present hunting tomorrow and enjoy the weather but I'm not riding far.
I'm going to update it with the journey back and thank everyone when I'm back home.
I may well have a picture of Getaldine by then too,,,I've got more pics that I might add just to remind me of this holiday.
Plonker,,how could I forget that,,
It's the mossy's frying my brain
My eyelids are a bit swollen I've noticed today,,,
Def had a reaction but since using my new ointment it's stopped.
Watched a mossy fly by me,, it took a tight left and legged it,,, hahahah
I was using some other cream to sooth the bites,,,should have got this stuff on day one,,,
See I'm a bit thick me!
I feel on top of the world now,, no thumping brain and my pulse is normal.
I wouldn't like to think what I'd have got upto without those headaches,,,
Kept me in check to be honest.
This thread is not over,, if anyone fancies a cheap holiday right on the doorstep of glitz and glamour, beach five mins walk away, this campsite is a cracker,, tents, little cabins, solid buildings( that I'm in) and places for motorhomes
Swimming pools, restaurant, bar, stuff for kids, Tarmac little roads washing machines, showers for campers
Tennis/ volley ball courts, the port in your eyesight and all the lovely jingle jangle of the rigging,,
It's a good choice, shops within a few minutes walk, full security 24 hrs a day,,,
And fun staff. The only thing that spoils it is a big warehouse type building where boats are repaired but it's behing the site so you don't see it or hear it. I'd use it again because it's so cheap.
Paradise Marina,,,
Here's a pic of my simple but effective room, clean sheets and cleaners everyday, nice bathroom with instant hot water
I have nothing to complain about,,
I'm glad I chose it
It's the mossy's frying my brain
My eyelids are a bit swollen I've noticed today,,,
Def had a reaction but since using my new ointment it's stopped.
Watched a mossy fly by me,, it took a tight left and legged it,,, hahahah
I was using some other cream to sooth the bites,,,should have got this stuff on day one,,,
See I'm a bit thick me!
I feel on top of the world now,, no thumping brain and my pulse is normal.
I wouldn't like to think what I'd have got upto without those headaches,,,
Kept me in check to be honest.
This thread is not over,, if anyone fancies a cheap holiday right on the doorstep of glitz and glamour, beach five mins walk away, this campsite is a cracker,, tents, little cabins, solid buildings( that I'm in) and places for motorhomes
Swimming pools, restaurant, bar, stuff for kids, Tarmac little roads washing machines, showers for campers
Tennis/ volley ball courts, the port in your eyesight and all the lovely jingle jangle of the rigging,,
It's a good choice, shops within a few minutes walk, full security 24 hrs a day,,,
And fun staff. The only thing that spoils it is a big warehouse type building where boats are repaired but it's behing the site so you don't see it or hear it. I'd use it again because it's so cheap.
Paradise Marina,,,
Here's a pic of my simple but effective room, clean sheets and cleaners everyday, nice bathroom with instant hot water
I have nothing to complain about,,
I'm glad I chose it
So,,,,,,, it's nearly over,, been packing my bag this morning, mixed feelings,,
I've had a great time. I'd forgot I'm a right little bugger when I get going,,
I've noticed this week, less traffic, fewer foriegners, quiet beaches, shops shutting up,,
That end of season feeling, thee locals have made hay whilst the sun shines,, now their glad to get there country back ,,
It must be so quiet during the cooler months,,,perfect for a drive!!!!!!??????
I've always been addicted to driving things,, anything,,
All this calm comes over me,, love to see a new horizon around every corner,,
These roads it feels like your going round in circles at times,, I've always said the only reason for the straights is just to get to the next corner,,,,straights just knacker your car up, the corners are what it's all about.
Here I found the thing that appeals, corner after corner,, at times on this bike it felt more like riding the Wall Of Death,,
Angles and cambers that remind me of the carrousel at Nurberg,,,increadable sense of occasion and other than pooping myself every now and then I simply smiled for miles and miles.
I've often thought about doing this sort of thing,,maybe I needed to get to my age to have enough sixth sense to survive such amazing roads,, our cars are like the bike,,unforgiving but let's be honest, it hightens your driving skills and draws out the best you can give,, in driving terms it's like getting to the top,, you feel goooood.
There's only a few things that I didn't do,, hire a push bike to get fitter,, stop smoking,,, my nerves were on edge at times but I've got this far so I'm now looking forward to riding home.
I forgot my dog sitter needed me back by today really,, if not I'd be extending my stay,,
Hopefully I'll have a lovely evening tonight with a beautiful lady and you never know where that may lead me, a bit like the roads the skies the limit!
I've had some ideas floating around my head yesterday but wouldn't let myself think about it to much,,
I hope we get on well and maybe keep in contact,,,
Watch this space.
My bikes looking brand new,, I can't wait to ride and feel very blessed by all the comments from total strangers who couldn't walk by without tellng me how much they admire it. That's been very special
She's a wonderful girl this bike,
The skies that deep blue again today and there's a slight breeze that keeps the temps about perfect,,
I'll be here again I'm sure.
I'm just enjoying coffee at another nice cafe just watching the locals doing what people do,,, it's all splendid and very relaxing.
Alun
I've had a great time. I'd forgot I'm a right little bugger when I get going,,
I've noticed this week, less traffic, fewer foriegners, quiet beaches, shops shutting up,,
That end of season feeling, thee locals have made hay whilst the sun shines,, now their glad to get there country back ,,
It must be so quiet during the cooler months,,,perfect for a drive!!!!!!??????
I've always been addicted to driving things,, anything,,
All this calm comes over me,, love to see a new horizon around every corner,,
These roads it feels like your going round in circles at times,, I've always said the only reason for the straights is just to get to the next corner,,,,straights just knacker your car up, the corners are what it's all about.
Here I found the thing that appeals, corner after corner,, at times on this bike it felt more like riding the Wall Of Death,,
Angles and cambers that remind me of the carrousel at Nurberg,,,increadable sense of occasion and other than pooping myself every now and then I simply smiled for miles and miles.
I've often thought about doing this sort of thing,,maybe I needed to get to my age to have enough sixth sense to survive such amazing roads,, our cars are like the bike,,unforgiving but let's be honest, it hightens your driving skills and draws out the best you can give,, in driving terms it's like getting to the top,, you feel goooood.
There's only a few things that I didn't do,, hire a push bike to get fitter,, stop smoking,,, my nerves were on edge at times but I've got this far so I'm now looking forward to riding home.
I forgot my dog sitter needed me back by today really,, if not I'd be extending my stay,,
Hopefully I'll have a lovely evening tonight with a beautiful lady and you never know where that may lead me, a bit like the roads the skies the limit!
I've had some ideas floating around my head yesterday but wouldn't let myself think about it to much,,
I hope we get on well and maybe keep in contact,,,
Watch this space.
My bikes looking brand new,, I can't wait to ride and feel very blessed by all the comments from total strangers who couldn't walk by without tellng me how much they admire it. That's been very special
She's a wonderful girl this bike,
The skies that deep blue again today and there's a slight breeze that keeps the temps about perfect,,
I'll be here again I'm sure.
I'm just enjoying coffee at another nice cafe just watching the locals doing what people do,,, it's all splendid and very relaxing.
Alun
I get you Peter,, that's another thing,, there's loads of cycle routes and so you don't come a cross them on the roads
Happy days indeed. I keep thanking people on here,, it's because I couldn't have read all the jibberish if someone else was doing this but like many things I'm learning g to take some time and consider others more,,
I have issues trying to access Pistonheads and without wi FI it's very slow,,
If I've missed peoples support or advice I'm sorry, I will get home and read all this thread to remind myself and show my son, he'll learn more about why I had to do this, it saves me talking his ears off
I hope you've had a sense if what all this has meant to me after a terrible few years,,
I not fall so far ever again.
Thankyou all and deep deep respect to you guys, Tvr for creating cars that allow us to express,,
It really is a big family were all involved in.
It will be weird to not kiss every bugger I talk to when back home but we have some great things in the uk,,,,,
I just can't think if any right now
Alun
Happy days indeed. I keep thanking people on here,, it's because I couldn't have read all the jibberish if someone else was doing this but like many things I'm learning g to take some time and consider others more,,
I have issues trying to access Pistonheads and without wi FI it's very slow,,
If I've missed peoples support or advice I'm sorry, I will get home and read all this thread to remind myself and show my son, he'll learn more about why I had to do this, it saves me talking his ears off
I hope you've had a sense if what all this has meant to me after a terrible few years,,
I not fall so far ever again.
Thankyou all and deep deep respect to you guys, Tvr for creating cars that allow us to express,,
It really is a big family were all involved in.
It will be weird to not kiss every bugger I talk to when back home but we have some great things in the uk,,,,,
I just can't think if any right now
Alun
Just another thought,,,music,, I can hear Paloma Faith ( New York New York )
It's hear to remind you etc,, music gets my emotions running,, very hard to handle sometimes
But today it's just great,,
I hope that French kid doesn't ring me,, I've done all that really,
I'll do it if he calls but I'd rather not.
95% of the music you hear is British or yankie it's a reminder of our great language and how the world loves us for it,,
My son is determined to do well with music,, he'd make a killing over here singing and playing the piano,,
I've decided I must support him instead of putting him off!
It's hear to remind you etc,, music gets my emotions running,, very hard to handle sometimes
But today it's just great,,
I hope that French kid doesn't ring me,, I've done all that really,
I'll do it if he calls but I'd rather not.
95% of the music you hear is British or yankie it's a reminder of our great language and how the world loves us for it,,
My son is determined to do well with music,, he'd make a killing over here singing and playing the piano,,
I've decided I must support him instead of putting him off!
Another chance encounter,, I'm walking out of the cafe and see a chap with Triumph on the back of his jacket,,ask him about his bike,, French guy,, we walk over and he explains it's a speed triple the first all black including the frame 2004, had it from new, says he never wants any other bike again,, we share moments of laughter and I give back what ive been given,, a bit of joy and after shaking hands I kiss the tank,, he's laughing and loving my enthusiasm. I've made his day,,wave him and his wife off.
Bikers share something very personal and deeply special,,
It's reminds me of Pistonheads but without the kissing
Every single day has had moments like this,, all bikes are great things,, far to dangerous but they make you feel alive.
I can't afford the time for a memorable journey home now but I'll still be smiling all the way.
I'm about to go to the local garage, check pressures etc,,
I had a worrying moment yesterday, riding and the bikes spluttering,, I'm confused,,that sounds like ignition problems,,
Or has a Cerb gone out of sinc,,,,,,,, what the,,, i didn't bring the manual,,,,
It's about to stop on me,,, how can it go wrong now after being perfect,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Check the choke isn't out,,, no,,,,
What the F,,k
It's ok I fixed it,,,, turned the petrol on ,,,,,,,, hahahah, bursts back into life and I have relief then a silly laugh at myself.
I don't like tempting fate as I have another 1000 miles to do yet so I'm saying nothing,
Bikers share something very personal and deeply special,,
It's reminds me of Pistonheads but without the kissing
Every single day has had moments like this,, all bikes are great things,, far to dangerous but they make you feel alive.
I can't afford the time for a memorable journey home now but I'll still be smiling all the way.
I'm about to go to the local garage, check pressures etc,,
I had a worrying moment yesterday, riding and the bikes spluttering,, I'm confused,,that sounds like ignition problems,,
Or has a Cerb gone out of sinc,,,,,,,, what the,,, i didn't bring the manual,,,,
It's about to stop on me,,, how can it go wrong now after being perfect,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Check the choke isn't out,,, no,,,,
What the F,,k
It's ok I fixed it,,,, turned the petrol on ,,,,,,,, hahahah, bursts back into life and I have relief then a silly laugh at myself.
I don't like tempting fate as I have another 1000 miles to do yet so I'm saying nothing,
Snotrag, save up or just sell everything you've got,, get a good Tvr that someone else has cherished and it might just change your life,,, hahah maybe not but you'll love the car more than words can say.
Thanks so much for reading this thread, I'm chuffed to bits you took the considerable time to check my outrageous unbelievable amazing exciting never to be forgotten journey to re find myself let alone learn how to ride a bike again.
Thanks lads,, you guys following my experience has made it more members or by far.
Tonight was like all the other moments I've had here,,,
A wonderful meal,, wonderful chef ( host )
In a truelly beautiful small village with one car an hour passing through, tiny streets with shuttered windows and little restaurants with the smell of high class cooking wafting out,,
Then this sexy beautiful woman arrives,, it took my breath away
We share laughter fun and spend 4 hours eating and drinking wine, mouth watering food and all the time this highly intelligent woman looking into my eyes with love.
She studied wine at Harvard university in the states no less, travelled the world and is my kind of girl,,,
We got on better than I could have ever dared possible and finally I walked her home and like to young lovers shared moments and words of romance with passion thrown in,,,
French kissing is something else with a woman like that,, it was windy,,shop signs creaking in the wind,, the odd sound of something blowing down the deserted dark streets yet we were both very very warm.
It's like a dream,, but I'm actually living the dream,,,
She said things to me in that romantic French way,, held me tight,,, felt my body next to hers and whatever I did she responded with utter love,,,
I'm a gentleman and just kept my cool but that was so intense.
I'm meeting her in the morning for coffee in the village before I hit the throttle.
I took the road back to St Maxime in a daze, then the coast road back to port Grimaud with no traffic other than the odd car and bike going the other way, the sea to my left with the odd camper parked up for the night, the sound of my bike like something from days gone by,,riding well over the few roundabouts still thrilling at every gear change and dab of the brakes,,all with this girl who's so sensitive and passionate running through my mind.
Graham mentioned a time coming back at dawn on his bike with a French girl,,,I was thinking of that as I cruised,,, that road tonight was like a highway to and from heaven,,
Words can't explain the feeling I have as I write this.
I'm shaking my head in disbelief, maybe I've found my kindred spirit after all these years,,
We fell in love tonight, I don't know how or when but I'm going to love that girl for all I'm worth.
I've been looking but never found,, I've been patient.. She might just be the one.
Unbielevable.
Sometimes in life it's about making your own luck and the last 3 weeks that's what I've been doing, it might well have changed me for the better
All because I asked how to get here,,, then shared as many moments as I could remember with friends on Pistonheads,,,
Each time I wrote something on here I realised how fantastic it actually was, to see it in print sort of made it all the more real.
It's behond my reasoning, I don't have the intelligence to describe it, but I do have the heart and soul that can feel it.
Helps bells what stars aligned for all this to happen I just don't know but it has.
We vowed to keep talking together and she wants me back so if it was meant to be then So be it.
This last chapter is very personal but how could I not share it with you
What a road trip this has been, my emotions allover the place but tonight I'm just at peace with the world like never before.
This could and does happen to anybody but this time it was my turn,, I'm blessed for sure.
Many thanks boys,,I've got to crack on tomorrow so if I don't reply for a day or two it's because I'm head down under the paintwork. Flat out.
Big Al
Thanks so much for reading this thread, I'm chuffed to bits you took the considerable time to check my outrageous unbelievable amazing exciting never to be forgotten journey to re find myself let alone learn how to ride a bike again.
Thanks lads,, you guys following my experience has made it more members or by far.
Tonight was like all the other moments I've had here,,,
A wonderful meal,, wonderful chef ( host )
In a truelly beautiful small village with one car an hour passing through, tiny streets with shuttered windows and little restaurants with the smell of high class cooking wafting out,,
Then this sexy beautiful woman arrives,, it took my breath away
We share laughter fun and spend 4 hours eating and drinking wine, mouth watering food and all the time this highly intelligent woman looking into my eyes with love.
She studied wine at Harvard university in the states no less, travelled the world and is my kind of girl,,,
We got on better than I could have ever dared possible and finally I walked her home and like to young lovers shared moments and words of romance with passion thrown in,,,
French kissing is something else with a woman like that,, it was windy,,shop signs creaking in the wind,, the odd sound of something blowing down the deserted dark streets yet we were both very very warm.
It's like a dream,, but I'm actually living the dream,,,
She said things to me in that romantic French way,, held me tight,,, felt my body next to hers and whatever I did she responded with utter love,,,
I'm a gentleman and just kept my cool but that was so intense.
I'm meeting her in the morning for coffee in the village before I hit the throttle.
I took the road back to St Maxime in a daze, then the coast road back to port Grimaud with no traffic other than the odd car and bike going the other way, the sea to my left with the odd camper parked up for the night, the sound of my bike like something from days gone by,,riding well over the few roundabouts still thrilling at every gear change and dab of the brakes,,all with this girl who's so sensitive and passionate running through my mind.
Graham mentioned a time coming back at dawn on his bike with a French girl,,,I was thinking of that as I cruised,,, that road tonight was like a highway to and from heaven,,
Words can't explain the feeling I have as I write this.
I'm shaking my head in disbelief, maybe I've found my kindred spirit after all these years,,
We fell in love tonight, I don't know how or when but I'm going to love that girl for all I'm worth.
I've been looking but never found,, I've been patient.. She might just be the one.
Unbielevable.
Sometimes in life it's about making your own luck and the last 3 weeks that's what I've been doing, it might well have changed me for the better
All because I asked how to get here,,, then shared as many moments as I could remember with friends on Pistonheads,,,
Each time I wrote something on here I realised how fantastic it actually was, to see it in print sort of made it all the more real.
It's behond my reasoning, I don't have the intelligence to describe it, but I do have the heart and soul that can feel it.
Helps bells what stars aligned for all this to happen I just don't know but it has.
We vowed to keep talking together and she wants me back so if it was meant to be then So be it.
This last chapter is very personal but how could I not share it with you
What a road trip this has been, my emotions allover the place but tonight I'm just at peace with the world like never before.
This could and does happen to anybody but this time it was my turn,, I'm blessed for sure.
Many thanks boys,,I've got to crack on tomorrow so if I don't reply for a day or two it's because I'm head down under the paintwork. Flat out.
Big Al
made it to Macon,,,, 400 odd miles or something,,I've not re set the trip meter and didn't really check what it was on before I set off! I only had about 4 hrs sleep last night after meeting that girl,
Got my stuff together this morning, said my goodbyes to the camp staff, and rode back to St Maxime feeling rough,,
Had a couple of coffees by the sea,, then went back to Geraldine's for breakfast,,,
What a pad,, these old fronted buildings, stone spiral staircase like an old castle,,,then open her door to a huge modern fantastic home.
This last bits all a bit to much,,, anybody would fall for her, her clothes her sass, her voice,, her confidence and she even laughs at my jokes,, or is that laughing at me!!!!!
I didn't leave until about 1pm, the church bells signalling the time,,
It was a struggle to go,,,blue sky, warm, an idillic village, all that French stuff you always find, old men sat on stone walls passing the time away and watching oddballs like me role in,, even they seemed happy to see me,,
Me and her promising to meet again and sad to say goodbye,, tough tough moment indeed.
She just falls into my arms and wants to love me,,,soft brown skin, slim sexy legs and short skirt, about my age,, same star sign,, looking into my eyes and saying she's things that would drop a stronger man than me,,
Me thinking I'm just about to head north for a thousand miles on a motorbike,, leaving this beauty behind before I even got to know her. Deep breaths and a sence of bewilderment that someone in the heart of all this would want me,,,
It's just to much to take in,,
I didn't want her to see me off on the bike, parked well out the way so we did what people do,, tender moments
I had to stop myself saying things,,,but she just let her heart out over me,,,
I ride out of town with tree lined streets not sure if I'd ever see her again,,, holding myself together,,,just,,,massive task ahead of me,,,trying to suck in the air and smells of flowers, food and a piece of heaven left behind,, my heart sank a tiny bit every mile I got further away.
I decided yesterday I long ride home was above my bike and me this time around,,
I had to block my mind to what I'd experienced with that wonderful French woman and I've been at 100 mph all the way,,
As I'm heading north the mountains slowly fall away in the distance,, forests subside and become flat fields, it gets colder,, after what seems like days I finally hit Lyon,,, rush hr,, 6.30pm and it's proper busy,, I'd wisely pulled over to use the phones sat nav but just like an uneducated Welshman !!!!! I forgot I'd set it to scenic route whilst down south, took a turn and my instinct said this ain't right but went for it anyway, got on the a roads but it's really busy,
I'd made the decision to get to Macon,, it's dark now, cold, my headlight bulbs blown, I'm white lining it, hard away from lights and swinging through roundabouts,, I don't care about the bike now I just had to get to that hotel and get sleep.
Lyon after that's girls home,,, petrochemical works, industrialisation and millions of people, it just seemed ugly as hell.
I'm in a bad mood,, most of France is beautiful but not after where I've been, I see people struggling, the clothes change but most of all the expressions in the peoples faces,, it's depressing me every second I see it, saddening.
I battle out of Lyon, and decide I've seen enough of France for now, the A roads don't interest me, I get back on the auto route and just like most the day, fk all comes by me, my neck, shoulders and even my legs in pain,, mistral last night down south and I monitored the trees all the way up,, windy as hell, ,
Blowing me left/ right,,, the fairing buffeting around,,almost like a speed wobble the bike at times shaking!
I don't care, I think the engine needs rings or something, used twice as much fuel as on the way down,
It's probably just because I'd had ear plugs in allday ?
Even with those the wind noise was deafening,,,
It's 6.30am Friday morning, been awoken by this French girl breaking her heart out over me, I just want to turn around and head back to her,,,
Ok so last night I have all this heavy heart and a French woman giving me grief????
It doesn't take long does it,, when I say grief I mean she's so upset
bks, maybe something's are best left
I hope some of you enjoyed it and maybe it'll inspire a few others to buy a cool car, develop it and do similar.
Got my stuff together this morning, said my goodbyes to the camp staff, and rode back to St Maxime feeling rough,,
Had a couple of coffees by the sea,, then went back to Geraldine's for breakfast,,,
What a pad,, these old fronted buildings, stone spiral staircase like an old castle,,,then open her door to a huge modern fantastic home.
This last bits all a bit to much,,, anybody would fall for her, her clothes her sass, her voice,, her confidence and she even laughs at my jokes,, or is that laughing at me!!!!!
I didn't leave until about 1pm, the church bells signalling the time,,
It was a struggle to go,,,blue sky, warm, an idillic village, all that French stuff you always find, old men sat on stone walls passing the time away and watching oddballs like me role in,, even they seemed happy to see me,,
Me and her promising to meet again and sad to say goodbye,, tough tough moment indeed.
She just falls into my arms and wants to love me,,,soft brown skin, slim sexy legs and short skirt, about my age,, same star sign,, looking into my eyes and saying she's things that would drop a stronger man than me,,
Me thinking I'm just about to head north for a thousand miles on a motorbike,, leaving this beauty behind before I even got to know her. Deep breaths and a sence of bewilderment that someone in the heart of all this would want me,,,
It's just to much to take in,,
I didn't want her to see me off on the bike, parked well out the way so we did what people do,, tender moments
I had to stop myself saying things,,,but she just let her heart out over me,,,
I ride out of town with tree lined streets not sure if I'd ever see her again,,, holding myself together,,,just,,,massive task ahead of me,,,trying to suck in the air and smells of flowers, food and a piece of heaven left behind,, my heart sank a tiny bit every mile I got further away.
I decided yesterday I long ride home was above my bike and me this time around,,
I had to block my mind to what I'd experienced with that wonderful French woman and I've been at 100 mph all the way,,
As I'm heading north the mountains slowly fall away in the distance,, forests subside and become flat fields, it gets colder,, after what seems like days I finally hit Lyon,,, rush hr,, 6.30pm and it's proper busy,, I'd wisely pulled over to use the phones sat nav but just like an uneducated Welshman !!!!! I forgot I'd set it to scenic route whilst down south, took a turn and my instinct said this ain't right but went for it anyway, got on the a roads but it's really busy,
I'd made the decision to get to Macon,, it's dark now, cold, my headlight bulbs blown, I'm white lining it, hard away from lights and swinging through roundabouts,, I don't care about the bike now I just had to get to that hotel and get sleep.
Lyon after that's girls home,,, petrochemical works, industrialisation and millions of people, it just seemed ugly as hell.
I'm in a bad mood,, most of France is beautiful but not after where I've been, I see people struggling, the clothes change but most of all the expressions in the peoples faces,, it's depressing me every second I see it, saddening.
I battle out of Lyon, and decide I've seen enough of France for now, the A roads don't interest me, I get back on the auto route and just like most the day, f
k all comes by me, my neck, shoulders and even my legs in pain,, mistral last night down south and I monitored the trees all the way up,, windy as hell, ,Blowing me left/ right,,, the fairing buffeting around,,almost like a speed wobble the bike at times shaking!
I don't care, I think the engine needs rings or something, used twice as much fuel as on the way down,
It's probably just because I'd had ear plugs in allday ?
Even with those the wind noise was deafening,,,
It's 6.30am Friday morning, been awoken by this French girl breaking her heart out over me, I just want to turn around and head back to her,,,
Ok so last night I have all this heavy heart and a French woman giving me grief????
It doesn't take long does it,, when I say grief I mean she's so upset
b
ks, maybe something's are best left I hope some of you enjoyed it and maybe it'll inspire a few others to buy a cool car, develop it and do similar.
Edited by ClassiChimi on Sunday 27th September 11:33
Edited by ClassiChimi on Sunday 27th September 11:51
Rugby results ain't got a clue,,I wish em all well,,,
I'm back home since yesterday morning7.30 am punching my arm in the air screaming I'm my helmet,,,I'm no 1 , both arms in the air praying and thanking the riding gods for saving me from myself,,,
Every sinew in my body feels used right now, over 24 hrs ago I stepped off that amazing little bike, my ears are still ringing,, that's damage,,,,, my palms and feet still vibrate, my head is numb, Paris I blitzed the place, only thr ring road trying to find the A1 north, it's a great story the trip back, fast really145 Kim's at least, I asked of that bike, it delivered a world of riches unrivalled, Ferrari divers wanted to swap'
Made me more friends than you think possible,,,,
There was times nav blind, lots of fear and great emotions, learnt to ride a bit,,
I'll do a decent reply with the best shots of the trip etc and write a book
Only by writing all this did I actually realise how special it all was, it elevated it above just me ttting about on a stupidly loud, nice honest handling, rip roaring masterpiece of British engineering,,,,
It opens your mind if you allow it.
It's another beautiful morning at home,,sitting where I sat a month ago not knowing what to do with this bike,,,
Comforted by its place at home,,safe, and I look up from this pad,,looks the same as before I went,,,fantastic thing,,
I've done some videos yesreday with the iPad,,, I'd dare anyone to plug good heavy headphones in and turn it up,,,,
I've heard about disturbing the air,,,,
I'll get my kids to show me how to do YouTube etc,, it's seriously worth a war hero if you want to hear and feel my experience because most of all this story is about that bike,,it begged me for more and it's still sat there looking at me like Christine,, not the film, I read the book as a lad long before the film,
This bike is a combination of hell, brilliance,,more shape than Sofea Laren and I've at last worked that out too,,,the sound is like any good drums it gets inside your body and shakes you,,,,
People got hynotiysed by it,,, just like we are when we are driving out cars you fall in love.
Ponsey, maybe but that's what the bike did,,,she wanted to be ridden and gave me all these people wanting to know me because of it . I'm off back to bed for a week...............
I'm back home since yesterday morning7.30 am punching my arm in the air screaming I'm my helmet,,,I'm no 1 , both arms in the air praying and thanking the riding gods for saving me from myself,,,
Every sinew in my body feels used right now, over 24 hrs ago I stepped off that amazing little bike, my ears are still ringing,, that's damage,,,,, my palms and feet still vibrate, my head is numb, Paris I blitzed the place, only thr ring road trying to find the A1 north, it's a great story the trip back, fast really145 Kim's at least, I asked of that bike, it delivered a world of riches unrivalled, Ferrari divers wanted to swap
' Made me more friends than you think possible,,,,
There was times nav blind, lots of fear and great emotions, learnt to ride a bit,,
I'll do a decent reply with the best shots of the trip etc and write a book
Only by writing all this did I actually realise how special it all was, it elevated it above just me t
tting about on a stupidly loud, nice honest handling, rip roaring masterpiece of British engineering,,,, It opens your mind if you allow it.
It's another beautiful morning at home,,sitting where I sat a month ago not knowing what to do with this bike,,,
Comforted by its place at home,,safe, and I look up from this pad,,looks the same as before I went,,,fantastic thing,,
I've done some videos yesreday with the iPad,,, I'd dare anyone to plug good heavy headphones in and turn it up,,,,
I've heard about disturbing the air,,,,
I'll get my kids to show me how to do YouTube etc,, it's seriously worth a war hero if you want to hear and feel my experience because most of all this story is about that bike,,it begged me for more and it's still sat there looking at me like Christine,, not the film, I read the book as a lad long before the film,
This bike is a combination of hell, brilliance,,more shape than Sofea Laren and I've at last worked that out too,,,the sound is like any good drums it gets inside your body and shakes you,,,,
People got hynotiysed by it,,, just like we are when we are driving out cars you fall in love.
Ponsey, maybe but that's what the bike did,,,she wanted to be ridden and gave me all these people wanting to know me because of it . I'm off back to bed for a week...............
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